July 11, 1767 in Braintree, Massachusetts Bay– February 23, 1848 in Washington D.C
Political Party: Republican
Terms March 4, 1825 – March 4, 1829
Vice President: John C. Calhoun 1825-1829
Thematic Context When John Quincy Adams was elected president and all throughout his presidency, times were changing in America. The west was growing speedily, and so were its people. The citizens, especially on the western frontier, were growing tired of the traditional Northern-style rule of aristocrats and the “elite.” At this time, people were responding to the personality of the presidents more than they ever had before. The campaign process was evolving; it now included people-pleasers like baby kissing, barbecues, and parades. Adams did partake in this behavior at all. He was a ‘cold fish’ and an introvert, and neither cared about nor wanted immense popularity from the people. He was also everything the westerners were growing to despise, a Northerner and a high-minded intellectual. For these reasons, Adams was greatly disliked and had a hard time getting his goals accomplished during his presidency. In place of old traditions, there was a new emphasis on the common people and democracy. The War of 1812 had long been over. The nationalistic pride and “Era of Good Feelings” that had followed it was fizzling out. Instead, the common working class was getting excited about their rights. They wanted states rights and the ability to expand onto the land as quickly and cheaply as possible with little government influence. This is the reason why John Quincy Adam’s nationalistic themes and attempts at strengthening the infrastructure were so poorly received. The expanding West and evolving South didn’t want any government intervention. Overall, the time of Adams’ presidency was a turning point for the nation. It was the rise of the common people, democracy, and an expanding frontier. The power was shifting from the North and Eastern seaboard and going to the growing West and South. What the people of these regions wanted in government was everything Adams did not.
Thesis John Quincy Adams and his administration deserve a B for their time in office. Adams was the last truly Republican president, and was trying to exercise his presidential power onto an increasingly hostile environment. The southerners and Jacksonian Democrats fought his policies whenever they could, and as a result very little was accomplished throughout the presidency. Adams was stopped at every corner. Most of the nation viewed Adams’ presidency as a time that they would just have to wait out until the Jackson, the rightful candidate, could take office. From the day Adams was elected, he was scrutinized as being corrupt and unfair. He was met with continuous opposition from Congress, and that, mixed with his unwillingness to play the political game, made for a stagnant presidency. Overall, Adams and his administration got relatively little accomplished during their four years in office, which is why they deserve an overall grade of a B.
Goals In his inaugural address, John Quincy Adams spoke at length about the constitution. His address had a nationalist tinge to it, and he quoted much of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. He brought up his goals of improving internal structure, and voiced his wish that the country see these as upholding the Constitution. Along with this nationalist concept, he mentioned the strengthening of the army, schools, and the lessening of public debt. Another recurring theme was the relationship between the states and the federal government. He asserted again and again that the states were very important, but that overall the federal government must be placed above them for the sake of the union. Overall, John Quincy Adams’ focuses for the presidency were mostly nationalist ideas such as internal structure, economic security, and the power of the federal government over the state. He also had the idea of slavery in the back of his mind, as he was against it, but knew better than to make it a primary issue.
Relationship with Congress The relationship between John Quincy Adams and the Congress at the time was a game of tug-and-war, and one in which neither ever really managed to win. Adams had a very nationalistic mentality left over from the aftermath of the War of 1812. Though the country and congress had shared this attitude in the years following the war, by 1824 they were moving away from nationalism and towards the idea of states rights. Though Adams undoubtedly knew this, he chose to go against the attitudes of Congress and to propose nationalist ideas that required an assertion of federal power. Congress refused to carry out the president's wishes, but they didn't work hard to pass legislature of their own either. There were few important laws passed whether in favor of Adams’ policies or against them. The incompatibility of Adams to his congress ultimately meant that very little was accomplished during his presidency.
Positive Event John Quincy Adams was a very strong advocate for internal improvements, and he was the first president to believe that the power to improve the infrastructure of the country was one that was completely guaranteed by the constitution. His ambitious goals for internal improvement included the construction of roads, canals, a national university, and even an astronomical observatory. If Adams had been a few years earlier with these proposals, they would have reached more enthusiastic ears. But Congress and the country at the time felt that such outlandish things were an over-extension of power and a waste of money. Adams did, however, manage to reach a portion of his goal in the extension of the Cumberland Road into Ohio. He also managed to start the construction of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, for which he turned over the first shovelful of earth at the groundbreaking ceremony.
Negative Event John Quincy Adams believed that Northern manufacturing was very important to the country, and would grow to be more so as the years passed. He advocated for a protective tariff on manufactured imported goods, so as to protect the growing domestic manufacturers. Many called this tariff the Tariff of Abominations. Southerners particularly detested it, they felt that it discriminated against them. Most southern citizens made an agrarian living, and there was little to no manufacturing in that area. The farmers had to sell their crops overseas in a tariff-free market but pay the tariff on the manufactured goods they needed. This eventually led to a nullifying attempt in South Carolina after Adams’ presidency, which was the first real sign of dissension in the south. This tariff caused threats of secession and fear of federal power, and it was one of the many contributors to the Civil War.
Influential Decision Adams wanted the U.S to be a part of the Panama Congress, which was organized by Simon Bolivar for the purpose of Pan-American cooperation. Adams’ decision was once again held up by the South, who was afraid that since Hispanic America had outlawed slavery, the congress would have a strong anti-slavery message. To prevent the U.S delegates from going, they delayed their confirmation until it was too late for them to attend the congress. Had the United States been represented, it may have been able to secure valuable trading deals with Latin America which instead went to the British. This was an influential decision in that it illustrated how defensive of slavery the south was becoming. It was an example of how the south would stop at nothing to protect their biggest source of profit, even if it meant robbing the country of an important economic opportunity. This was another decision of Adams’ that caused tremors that led to the Civil War.
Conclusion All in all, John Quincy Adams was a presidential anachronism. He was a very smart man who could have been a very effective president at an earlier age. Unfortunately, he didn't fit the changing times and attitude of the American people. He was not a good politician at a time when the emphasis on personality and political maneuvering was growing dramatically. He refused to buy in to the political games that would have been his only real chance of having enough power to make a difference in a time with so much resistance from the people and the government around him. His nationalistic ideas would have been better received a decade earlier, when the country was revitalized after the War of 1812. If he had been president during this time, there is a very real chance that he could have been an outstanding president. As it was, the time period in which he was in office called for everything he wasn't. By refusing to give any ground on his federalist and nationalist ideas, very little was accomplished during his presidency. He was met by opposition from every angle and did not have the desire to fight for power. Though his intentions were good, he failed to consider the context of the period; the four years he was in office passed idly without much change or reform. Because of his inactivity and the fact that his presidency had no substantial effect on the country, Adams and his administration deserve a B.
July 11, 1767 in Braintree, Massachusetts Bay– February 23, 1848 in Washington D.C
Political Party: Republican
Terms March 4, 1825 – March 4, 1829
Vice President: John C. Calhoun 1825-1829
Thematic Context
When John Quincy Adams was elected president and all throughout his presidency, times were changing in America. The west was growing speedily, and so were its people. The citizens, especially on the western frontier, were growing tired of the traditional Northern-style rule of aristocrats and the “elite.” At this time, people were responding to the personality of the presidents more than they ever had before. The campaign process was evolving; it now included people-pleasers like baby kissing, barbecues, and parades. Adams did partake in this behavior at all. He was a ‘cold fish’ and an introvert, and neither cared about nor wanted immense popularity from the people. He was also everything the westerners were growing to despise, a Northerner and a high-minded intellectual. For these reasons, Adams was greatly disliked and had a hard time getting his goals accomplished during his presidency.
In place of old traditions, there was a new emphasis on the common people and democracy. The War of 1812 had long been over. The nationalistic pride and “Era of Good Feelings” that had followed it was fizzling out. Instead, the common working class was getting excited about their rights. They wanted states rights and the ability to expand onto the land as quickly and cheaply as possible with little government influence. This is the reason why John Quincy Adam’s nationalistic themes and attempts at strengthening the infrastructure were so poorly received. The expanding West and evolving South didn’t want any government intervention.
Overall, the time of Adams’ presidency was a turning point for the nation. It was the rise of the common people, democracy, and an expanding frontier. The power was shifting from the North and Eastern seaboard and going to the growing West and South. What the people of these regions wanted in government was everything Adams did not.
Thesis
John Quincy Adams and his administration deserve a B for their time in office. Adams was the last truly Republican president, and was trying to exercise his presidential power onto an increasingly hostile environment. The southerners and Jacksonian Democrats fought his policies whenever they could, and as a result very little was accomplished throughout the presidency. Adams was stopped at every corner. Most of the nation viewed Adams’ presidency as a time that they would just have to wait out until the Jackson, the rightful candidate, could take office. From the day Adams was elected, he was scrutinized as being corrupt and unfair. He was met with continuous opposition from Congress, and that, mixed with his unwillingness to play the political game, made for a stagnant presidency. Overall, Adams and his administration got relatively little accomplished during their four years in office, which is why they deserve an overall grade of a B.
Goals
In his inaugural address, John Quincy Adams spoke at length about the constitution. His address had a nationalist tinge to it, and he quoted much of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. He brought up his goals of improving internal structure, and voiced his wish that the country see these as upholding the Constitution. Along with this nationalist concept, he mentioned the strengthening of the army, schools, and the lessening of public debt. Another recurring theme was the relationship between the states and the federal government. He asserted again and again that the states were very important, but that overall the federal government must be placed above them for the sake of the union. Overall, John Quincy Adams’ focuses for the presidency were mostly nationalist ideas such as internal structure, economic security, and the power of the federal government over the state. He also had the idea of slavery in the back of his mind, as he was against it, but knew better than to make it a primary issue.
Relationship with Congress
The relationship between John Quincy Adams and the Congress at the time was a game of tug-and-war, and one in which neither ever really managed to win. Adams had a very nationalistic mentality left over from the aftermath of the War of 1812. Though the country and congress had shared this attitude in the years following the war, by 1824 they were moving away from nationalism and towards the idea of states rights. Though Adams undoubtedly knew this, he chose to go against the attitudes of Congress and to propose nationalist ideas that required an assertion of federal power. Congress refused to carry out the president's wishes, but they didn't work hard to pass legislature of their own either. There were few important laws passed whether in favor of Adams’ policies or against them. The incompatibility of Adams to his congress ultimately meant that very little was accomplished during his presidency.
Positive Event
John Quincy Adams was a very strong advocate for internal improvements, and he was the first president to believe that the power to improve the infrastructure of the country was one that was completely guaranteed by the constitution. His ambitious goals for internal improvement included the construction of roads, canals, a national university, and even an astronomical observatory. If Adams had been a few years earlier with these proposals, they would have reached more enthusiastic ears. But Congress and the country at the time felt that such outlandish things were an over-extension of power and a waste of money. Adams did, however, manage to reach a portion of his goal in the extension of the Cumberland Road into Ohio. He also managed to start the construction of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, for which he turned over the first shovelful of earth at the groundbreaking ceremony.
Negative Event
John Quincy Adams believed that Northern manufacturing was very important to the country, and would grow to be more so as the years passed. He advocated for a protective tariff on manufactured imported goods, so as to protect the growing domestic manufacturers. Many called this tariff the Tariff of Abominations. Southerners particularly detested it, they felt that it discriminated against them. Most southern citizens made an agrarian living, and there was little to no manufacturing in that area. The farmers had to sell their crops overseas in a tariff-free market but pay the tariff on the manufactured goods they needed. This eventually led to a nullifying attempt in South Carolina after Adams’ presidency, which was the first real sign of dissension in the south. This tariff caused threats of secession and fear of federal power, and it was one of the many contributors to the Civil War.
Influential Decision
Adams wanted the U.S to be a part of the Panama Congress, which was organized by Simon Bolivar for the purpose of Pan-American cooperation. Adams’ decision was once again held up by the South, who was afraid that since Hispanic America had outlawed slavery, the congress would have a strong anti-slavery message. To prevent the U.S delegates from going, they delayed their confirmation until it was too late for them to attend the congress. Had the United States been represented, it may have been able to secure valuable trading deals with Latin America which instead went to the British. This was an influential decision in that it illustrated how defensive of slavery the south was becoming. It was an example of how the south would stop at nothing to protect their biggest source of profit, even if it meant robbing the country of an important economic opportunity. This was another decision of Adams’ that caused tremors that led to the Civil War.
Conclusion
All in all, John Quincy Adams was a presidential anachronism. He was a very smart man who could have been a very effective president at an earlier age. Unfortunately, he didn't fit the changing times and attitude of the American people. He was not a good politician at a time when the emphasis on personality and political maneuvering was growing dramatically. He refused to buy in to the political games that would have been his only real chance of having enough power to make a difference in a time with so much resistance from the people and the government around him. His nationalistic ideas would have been better received a decade earlier, when the country was revitalized after the War of 1812. If he had been president during this time, there is a very real chance that he could have been an outstanding president. As it was, the time period in which he was in office called for everything he wasn't. By refusing to give any ground on his federalist and nationalist ideas, very little was accomplished during his presidency. He was met by opposition from every angle and did not have the desire to fight for power. Though his intentions were good, he failed to consider the context of the period; the four years he was in office passed idly without much change or reform. Because of his inactivity and the fact that his presidency had no substantial effect on the country, Adams and his administration deserve a B.
Bibliography
"Congress of Panama - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Mar. 2013. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congress_of_Panama>.
DeGregorio, William A.. The complete book of U.S. presidents. New York: Dembner Books :, 2005. Print.
"John Quincy Adams | The White House."The White House. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Mar. 2013. <http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/johnquincyadams>.
"John Quincy Adams: Inaugural Address. U.S. Inaugural Addresses. 1989."Bartleby.com: Great Books Online -- Quotes, Poems, Novels, Classics and hundreds more. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Mar. 2013. <http://www.bartleby.com/124/pres22.html